Also just back from our DL/Huntington Beach trip

[pittypat]

Also just back from our CA trip and here are some random thoughts:
-Cool weather was great at DL, but not so great at HB
-The Grand Californian was beautiful and convenient, but I'm not sure it was worth the $$
-16 and 19 year old boys are too old for DL
-DCA is fine for a day, but DL is good for a lifetime
-Were there Wed-Fri and crowds increased as the week went on, though it was not ever what I'd call really crowded
-our longest waits were for Peter Pan (40 min), BTMR (30 min-no fast passes for some reason) and Mr. Toad (40 min).
-Did fast passes for Space Mtn. & Indiana Jones
-Nemo was open, but the line was miles long so we skipped it
-Ditto for Pirate's Lair. It looked pretty cool from across the water, but was very, very crowded
-Was anyone else there on Wed. night? What was up with the fire alarm in the middle of the night at the Grand Californian?
-LOVED Blue Bayou-did a split plate and still had plenty to eat (of course we had to taste that Key Lime pie) and the food was excellent. Went at lunch, checked in at 11:00 am and were the second group seated. Our reservations were for 11:30
-Still so much enjoy the intimacy of DL compared to WDW (not dissing WDW-enjoy that, too)
-Parade of Dreams was fantastic!! Make sure you sit next to a cute, little kid and you'll get great close-ups of all the characters who come to kiss her!

Be happy to answer any questions.

 

[WDW4us2006]

Hi, I will be going in August with my hubby, daughter 14 (Disney geek like me) and son, 17, NOT a Disney geek. I am a little concerned that my son will be a bit impatient/bored with DL, hoping DCA will be a bit more enticing. I have restrained myself from reserving any character meals, and won't make him get up at the crack of dawn each day in hopes that this will ease the pain of having to be in DL with his family!! Anyway, I am curious to see what your sons thought of things, and what they really liked, didn't like. We will be staying at the DLH. Anyone else, feel free to respond. Thanks!!

 

[pittypat]

Staying at the DLH is a great idea because it is within easy walking distance to both parks and to Downtown Disney. At DL, my kids both enjoyed Space Mountain and Indiana Jones, and BTMR to some degree. The two of them went to DCA by themselves for a second day and loved California Screamin', were okay with Mulholland Madness and Soarin'. For the first time EVER I let them go off on their own some, and that seemed to make everyone happy. They worked out at the gym in the hotel and also went to the pool while DH and I stayed at DL. That might not be as much fun for your son since he would be by himself. They have some cool places to eat in Downtown Disney (tho expensive) and that seemed to be a good compromise. We also did not get up really early in the morning either, for the same reasons. I would say this was not our most fun vacation ever, and (I can hardly write this) we will probably not take our kids to DL again until they're parents and they get invited because of their kids. BUT-we did have a good time and it was certainly worth it. I am usually the Vacation Nazi and plan every minute of every day, but did not do that this time and the kids were happier. DH was probably happier, too, he just had the good sense not to say it!

 

[WDW4us2006]

Hi, thanks so much for your tips. It will definitely be a bit harder as my son won't have a buddy with him, but I think he can handle it for two days. The real reason we are taking the trip is to watch the Red Sox (HUGE fans!) play the Angels that week, we have tickets to two games. Also, we are starting our trip in Hollywood/LA for two days then to Anaheim, so really, I am not THAT concerned about it, since he will have plenty to be happy about on our trip. Everyone is getting to do something they really want, and Disneyland is MY thing!